MelKaps

I was on Adventure last year December 8-16. There were holiday decorations throughout the Royal Promenade, near the dining rooms, and in the Windjammer. They had a tree lighting ceremony and a holiday sweater contest.

Hoping for the Greek Isles with stops in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. I know they say summer 2021, but do you think the European cruises will continue into early fall? I know some of the ships head back to the Caribbean mid-October.

I saw Savannah Jack on Allure in 2017. The lead singer ended up sitting at the table next to us for dinner on the last night. It was great chatting with him!

I left a comment in my cruise survey that the half day passes should be brought back.

Nope, I passed on this since I'm not a huge fan of banana desserts. I opted for coffee ice cream instead. ?

I just got back from Harmony and they had another paella pan. This time it was banana crumble.

Thanks! Glad I asked, otherwise I would be wandering around.

Where exactly do you go to make the reservations once on board? I will be on Harmony this Sunday and my plan is to make my reservations ASAP, but not sure where to head.

I sailed on Allure of the Seas 2 years ago and I embark on Harmony of the Seas this Sunday. Fortunately, I was able to do everything and more on Allure because our cruise was extended due to Hurricane Irma. However, there are a few things I learned: The chocolate croissants I was craving were in Cafe Promenade for breakfast. Found this out on day 9. Park Cafe has several cream cheeses to try for breakfast. Discovered this on disembarkation morning. Know that you can't do everything and choose around 3 activities that are must-dos. For example, on Harmony, I know I definitely want to do the Ultimate Abyss, Zip lining, and water slides. Check the times of when activities are available and get there when it opens for short waits. Example- I was able to go zip lining and rock climbing a few times in a row without a wait when it opened in the morning.

I am no expert on the key, but I know that Empress has rock climbing.

I am also on the sailing this Sunday and I appreciate this advice. I had a feeling that 12-3 was just a suggestion/estimate similar to check-in times where I'm told to get there at 1:30. I think I will arrive my normal 10/10:30 and expect to wait for a longer period of time. Thanks!

If you do early or late seating, they may assign you to sit with other guests. However, you can always ask to be seated at a table for only 3 people. I recommend going to the dining room the first day shortly after you board so you can be towards the top of the wait list if nothing is open.

I am sailing on Harmony of the Seas this Sunday, October 13. I received the following email about the US Coast Guard conducting a mandatory routine inspection. Check-in will now be from 12-3pm. I usually arrive at 10am to the port. Should I arrive later or should I still plan on getting there around 10am? I don't mind being in the waiting area and I feel like there is a chance they will board early. In addition, is this similar to how they recommend me arriving at 1pm for check-in and people always arrive early or will they not actually start until 12? Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks!

That’s an itinerary I have my eyes on for my 2021 honeymoon. Hoping that the date works for us since I really want to visit Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini all in one cruise. Curious about which ships will be sailing where.

I am waiting for Greek Isles cruises in October 2021 for my honeymoon. There is a specific itinerary I want for certain ports and I want to be able to book ASAP. Then of course reprice for almost 2 years...

Picture of a crew member from -insert country- Picture with Henry (that's the name of the vacuum cleaner) Picture of a team member in a suite (or whatever stateroom category nobody is currently staying in) Picture of someone enjoying the Big Apple (it's a hot dog) Someone holding Harmony of the Seas

Going off what everyone else said, definitely get small bills. I always visit my bank beforehand and instead of using the ATM (unless it is a new, smart ATM), I go to a teller and withdraw lots of small bills. It comes in handy in case you need a taxi or to barter with locals (Nassau). Also, you won't need any cash for Labadee unless you plan on visiting the Straw Market.

My advice for first time cruisers is to get to the port early. You do not have to follow your suggested check-in time. I find that they usually start the security and check-in process around 10am. Also, definitely plan to see the ice skating show and arrive early. Seats tend to fill up. Not sure if you are arriving to ports in the afternoon, but if you do, prepare for lines because everyone is trying to get off the ship at the same time. In the morning, the crowds are more scattered. In regards to Alaska, I have sailed to Alaska twice and both were on Celebrity. I went last year and for about the same price as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity made an extra port of call in Ketchikan. Explorer of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice both left the same day from Seattle, but Celebrity had that extra Alaska stop (in addition to Skagway and Juneau). Something to consider.

I can’t remember my first cruise since I wasn’t even 2, however we have lots of home videos on VHS. My first Royal cruise was in 2004 and I loved Adventure Ocean. Every time you left the program for the afternoon or evening, or whenever, they gave you a ticket. On the last day I had so many tickets that I redeemed for Adventure Ocean merch. I still have so much lying around the house. Another memory is waiting on long lines at Johnny Rockets for lunch since it was complimentary. Haven’t eaten there ever since because I don’t want to pay for it.

If I recall, the current policy with 1 point per night sailed (or double for suites) wasn't put into effect until January 2011.

It appears that this goes into effect on January 1, 2020. Luckily, I am booked in a central park balcony next month on Harmony and can still utilize these perks. It was one of the main reasons we booked this room. Originally, our cruise was booked for January, but we moved it up to October. After this cruise, I don't see any incentive for me to book a neighborhood balcony again.

I really enjoy Celebrity Cruises. I am Elite status with Celebrity, which carries over to Diamond on Royal. The staff and food are great. I personally think the buffet is better than Royal Caribbean. I do notice that they cater more to the older generation than millennials. Royal has many activities on their ships such as ice skating, rock climbing, flow rider, etc., but Celebrity doesn't really have that. I find that I am lounging around more than participating in activities on Celebrity vs Royal.

I have been vlogging my cruises since July 2017 (Youtube.com/Melkaps). People really enjoy our cruise ship and cabin tours. Another thing people like is to see what food is offered at the buffet. For my next cruise I will try to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, since I have only been able to catch lunch. Even though the food can change at the buffet, people want to know if there will be options for them. Another idea is to capture more of the daily activities. Not just the belly flop or quest, but examples include line dancing, napkin folding, and entertainment around the ship. Enjoy your cruise and good luck with the filming!

I'm hoping to do a Greece cruise in October 2021 for my honeymoon. Do we have an idea of which ship might be sailing from Rome (not Venice) to Santorini, Athens, and Mykonos? I am very curious even though I know the itineraries will be announced later this year.

I think 1 con would be overcrowding of diamond lounges. They are already crowded to begin with and it would just get worse. Also, they would probably limit the free drinks during happy hour even more.